“WONDER WATER- THE VALUE OF WATER”, A GEOLOGICAL JOURNEY AROUND EUROPE’S MINERAL SPRINGS, SPAs AND THERMAL BATHS

“WONDER WATER- THE VALUE OF WATER”
A GEOLOGICAL JOURNEY AROUND EUROPE’S MINERAL SPRINGS, SPAs AND THERMAL BATHS

Brussels, 10 March 2016

The latest EuroGeoSurveys publication “Wonder Water – the Value of Water” will be launched on the 15th March 2016 at 16.00 o’clock, at the Scotland House of Brussels, during the EuroGeoSurveys 40th General Meeting.

The book brings you on a fantastic geological journey around Europe through mineral springs, thermal baths, SPAs, pools, etc. Are you ready to explore fantastic places and discover the health benefits of groundwater on which geology has a mayor impact? For instance, at the Clémentine spring of Spa in Belgium, calcium-bicarbonate water, once ingested, purifies the liver and facilitates digestion. Alkaline springs such the one of Troodos, Cyprus, are thought to have beneficial effects on healing rheumatic and skin diseases. Bath of sulphuric waters, such as at the Latvian health resort of Jaunķemeri, increase body tone, improve circulation of blood and metabolism. All these water’s properties are connected with particular geological situations (terrains, rock types, climate, etc.), reflecting a wide geological diversity across Europe. Special attention is given to myths and stories. In Finnish mythology, vedenväki (‘water folk’) were water spirits, nymphs, etc. said to dwell in lakes, rivers, rapids, the sea and even springs and wells. And how not to be fascinated with the Greek myth of Pyra and Defkelionas? To gain many and strong children they had a bath in the warm spring waters of Edipsos, and thus acquired Hellin, father of all the Hellenic tribes.

Through “Wonder Water” EuroGeoSurveys renewed its commitments in engaging with the wider public to communicate geology by showing how our groundwater, essential in our daily life, is used and enjoyed. Indeed, it has been estimated that 75% of European Union citizens depends upon groundwater for their water supply. As the EGS President Mr Koen Verbruggen underlines:

«Our valuable groundwater is out of sight and thus often out of mind. This valuable geological resource often provides the only water supply for our major towns and communities and needs to be understood and protected, which is a key role of our national geological surveys. This latest EGS popular book helps raise awareness of groundwater by looking at its most visible and enjoyable use in baths and springs and I heartily recommend it!»

The launch event will be attended by the Directors of the Geological Surveys of Europe, EU representatives and invited guests from America, Asia and Africa. The event, broadcasted in live-streaming at https://livestream.com/EuroGeoSurveys/WonderWater, will also be an occasion to debate on Water policies and EGS contributions to their implementation.

BACKGROUND

EuroGeoSurveys (EGS), The Geological Surveys of Europe, is a not-for-profit organisation representing 37 National Geological Surveys and some regional Surveys in Europe, an overall workforce of several thousand experts. 32 European Geological Surveys contributed to this publication through the work of geologists of the EGS Water Resources Expert Group. The Group focuses its activities on research, management and protection of groundwater resources to support the European Commission and the Member States in the effective implementation of EU water policies.

Links                      http://www.eurogeosurveys.org
Contacts       
EuroGeoSurveys Secretariat 36-38, Rue Joseph II- 1000 Brussels, Belgium | Tel +32 2 888 75 53
Ms Claudia Delfini                 claudia.delfini@eurogeosurveys.org
Ms Francesca Siciliano           francesca.siciliano@eurogeosurveys.org